Photo By Sgt. Christopher Baker | U.S. Army Veteran, Capt. Ryan Brunett, of Troy, Montana, finishes sprints in...... read more read more
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By Spc. Angelique K. Jefferson
U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks
WEST POINT, N.Y. (June 13, 2016) – U.S. Army Veteran Capt. Ryan Brunett, a Troy, Montana, native and true Army warrior, is an excellent representation of resiliency and humility.
While deployed to Afghanistan, Brunett’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Though his left foot suffered an extensive amount of damage, doctors remained hopeful his foot could be saved, Brunett said.
After five months of repeated attempts to salvage the limb which included 12 wound irrigation and foot reconstruction surgeries, Brunett was faced with a decision that would forever change his life; keep the foot which had sustained irreversible damage making it nonfunctional, or move forward with a surgical amputation.
He chose the latter.
“There was definitely a mourning process,” said Brunett. “But when they (doctors) told me, ‘We can cut it off and you can have a high functioning amputation.’ it was like there was no purpose in keeping a foot if it doesn’t work.” “It doesn’t matter if it’s made of flesh and bone or steel and carbon fiber.”
Brunett’s recovery has been, in part, due to his extensive support system which includes his parents, one brother, two sisters and maternal and paternal grandparents who are always showing him love.
The support Brunett received branched out farther than just family. “The Army’s been great to me too,” said Brunett. “I still talk to many of my Soldiers and best friends who are in the Army. Even my fraternity brothers came to visit me while I was in the hospital. They were incredible and well, that is a true brotherhood,” said Brunett.
Brunett explains how his fiancé has supported him throughout his recovery and beyond. “She has been behind me 110 percent. She is my motivator and without her, I wouldn’t be as good as I am right now,” he said
Brunett doesn’t see his injury as a tragedy. “Sometimes we take mitigated risks when we want excitement and danger. I wanted to serve my country, be an infantryman, and lead Soldiers; I did that. That takes some inherent dangers but it’s not a tragedy. It’s part of the job,” said Brunett.
“You’re never going to be strong enough to take every single challenge -- every single obstacle life throws at you. It’s been a very humbling experience, but to see the support that my family and friends have given me opens my eyes to how many blessings God has given me in life,” said Brunett.
This will be Brunett’s first year competing in the Warrior Games after completing a long year of training. His training included learning how to be efficient with his time. Brunett explains his plan for winning a medal in his favorite event which is track. “I am just going to have to be a lot smarter about how I run, how and when I use my energy,” he said. “You know, tactically place my effort where I’ll be most effective.”
After having his lower left leg amputated, Brunett remained on active duty and continued to be productive, completing the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course. He medically retired in November 2015 and four months later, earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification in the state of New York.
“My injury has tempered me as a man and as an individual,” said, Brunett. “It’s definitely given me a better sense of humor, humbled me and prepared me for the struggles and things that life’s going to throw…because life doesn’t stop.”
Brunett is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games and says this opportunity has been “a lot of fun and a blessing. I mean we [athletes] are all out here at the Warrior Games…having a good time,” said Brunett.
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2016 12:55 |
| Story ID: | 201216 |
| Location: | WEST POINT, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 532 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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